Bedbug Tape

Abstract

Bedbug Tape is a product and method to control and deter bedbugs, using two-sided tape that is coated with diatomaceous earth. The Diatomaceous Earth is applied as the tape is being pulled from its package, or Diatomaceous Earth is applied to tape and packaged ready for use, enabling it to be put in the paths of bedbugs traveling to and from hiding spots hiding and laying eggs. The tape can be placed by cracks on floor to wall areas, around bedpost legs, across the bottom and sides of beds and furniture. The Diatomaceous Earth damages the insects' exoskeletons, and causes them to dry out and die. Preferably the Diatomaceous Earth is non-toxic and food-grade, and does not otherwise harm humans or pets.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 - 6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . A tape for deterring and killing insects comprising:
 a length of double-sided tape having an adhesive on both sides of the tape; and   a coating of diatomaceous earth applied in a continuous length along one of the sides of the tape and secured to the tape by the adhesive;   whereby an insect is deterred from crossing the tape because the insect does not want to touch the diatomaceous earth, or an insect that has crossed the tape will die from crawling across the diatomaceous earth on the tape.   
     
     
         8 . The tape of  claim 7  wherein the diatomaceous earth is non-toxic. 
     
     
         9 . The tape of  claim 8  wherein the diatomaceous earth is food-grade. 
     
     
         10 . The tape of  claim 9  wherein the diatomaceous earth includes an attractant for attracting insects. 
     
     
         11 . The tape of  claim 10  wherein the diatomaceous earth includes any of the following: a filler, a powder, or a silica. 
     
     
         12 . The tape of  claim 8  wherein the diatomaceous earth includes an attractant for attracting insects. 
     
     
         13 . The tape of  claim 12  wherein the diatomaceous earth includes any of the following: a filler, a powder, or a silica. 
     
     
         14 . The tape of  claim 8  wherein the diatomaceous earth includes any of the following: a filler, a powder, or a silica. 
     
     
         15 . The tape of  claim 9  wherein the diatomaceous earth includes any of the following: a filler, a powder, or a silica. 
     
     
         16 . The tape of  claim 7  wherein the diatomaceous earth includes an attractant for attracting insects. 
     
     
         17 . The tape of  claim 7  wherein the diatomaceous earth includes any of the following: a filler, a powder, or a silica. 
     
     
         18 . The tape of  claim 7  including a tape dispenser which applies the diatomaceous earth to the tape as the tape is dispensed from the tape dispenser. 
     
     
         19 . The tape of  claim 18  wherein the diatomaceous earth is non-toxic. 
     
     
         20 . The tape of  claim 18  wherein the diatomaceous earth includes an attractant for attracting insects. 
     
     
         21 . The tape of  claim 18  wherein the diatomaceous earth includes any of the following: a filler, a powder, or a silica. 
     
     
         22 . A method of deterring and killing bedbugs including the steps of:
 providing a tape for deterring and killing insects including a length of double-sided tape having an adhesive on both sides of the tape, and a coating of diatomaceous earth applied in a continuous length along one of the sides of the tape and secured to the tape by the adhesive; and   placing a length of the tape along at least one of the locations selected from the group consisting of: a bed post, a headboard on a bed, a wall, a floor, on a floor proximate a crack between the floor and a wall, an article of furniture; and a bed frame.